World Report

Published Saturday, February 07, 2009

Disgraced Pakistan A-bomb scientist set free

ISLAMABAD -- For five years, the Pakistani nuclear scientist lived under virtual house arrest for allegedly leaking atomic weapons secrets to Iran, North Korea and Libya. On Friday, he strolled across the patio of his villa, smiling and waving, and announced to reporters: "I have got my freedom."

Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb, reached a secret deal with his government that loosened restrictions on his movements.

The decision stirred alarm in Washington, which worries that Iran has continued to pursue nuclear arms and that Pakistan may not be able to safeguard its own arsenal in the face of rising Islamic militancy.

Venezuela's Jews fear more attacks

CARACAS, Venezuela -- As President Hugo Chavez intensifies his anti-Israel campaign, some Venezuelans have taken action, threatening Jews in the street and vandalizing the largest synagogue in Caracas -- where they stole a database of names and addresses. Now many in Venezuela's Jewish community fear the worst is yet to come.

Chavez has personally taken care not to criticize Israelis or Jews while accusing Israel's government of genocide against the Palestinians. He denies inciting religious intolerance.

Ships collide in Antarctic whaling clash

SYDNEY -- A group of radical anti-whaling activists said they were pelted with bloody chunks of whale meat and blubber after their boat collided Friday with a Japanese whaling vessel in a dramatic Antarctic Ocean clash Japan.

It was the second battle this week between the whalers and their foes. No one was injured, but the skirmishes mark the resumption of potentially life-threatening run-ins in a contentious fight that has become an annual fixture in the remote, icy and dangerous waters at the bottom of the world.

The clashes come as diplomatic efforts to resolve the controversy surrounding Japan's scientific whaling program appear to have stalled.